christmas eve

On Christmas Eve, we went over to our Aunty Cathy's house to celebrate with the Cirimeles! We missed the Tatums and cousin Erin, but we loved the time that we had with those who were able to be there.

My cousin Megan married a man from the United Kingdom a couple of years ago, but this was his first Christmas in "the states". He brought a little bit of the UK to our dinner table with Christmas crackers, a part of Christmas celebrations in the United Kingdom. (A cracker consists of a cardboard tube wrapped in a brightly decorated twist of paper. The cracker is pulled by two people, splitting unevenly. The split is accompanied by a small bang or snapping sound. Inside the cracker are a coloured paper crown, a small toy, and a piece of trivia on a small strip of paper.)
We all put on our crowns immediately and then took turns sharing our piece of trivia. So fun!!

king Papa and queen Nani family pic
most of the Cirimele family
Audrey singing Christmas songs before opening presents.
Audrey's present from the gift exchange. No way anyone would be stealing her gift! reading their book, just after opening jammies
After we got home from Aunty Cathy's house, the girls were super excited to leave food for the reindeer. They each got a baggy of their own that was left by Strawberry, the elf.
pouring a glass of milk for Santa
This was the girls reaction when we told them that Santa would be coming to our house and eating the cookies and milk. Audrey...yay!!! Madison....what the?
saying "goodbye" to Strawberry

gingerbread

This week Audrey was super busy making a gingerbread house with her friends and baking gingerbread cookies with Nani!!

placing each candy in its placeta-da!
After we were done with the gingerbread houses, the kids circled up on the floor for a gift exchange. Audrey had so much fun finding the perfect gift for her friend, Molly!
Audrey's sweet friend, Olivia, found pretty pink lip gloss for Audrey. She loves applying and reapplying her lip gloss...over and over and over again.
baking with Nani...step by step
she may or may not have eaten some of the toppings
masterpiece!

loved gymnastics

Last week was Audrey's last gymnastics class for the year! Every Wednesday from 10:45am-11:30am, Audrey had class right next door to Daddy's work. Because Daddy has his lunch break from 10:30am-12:30pm, he was able to come watch Audrey and then we would have lunch together.

Miss Soua is a wonderful teacher! She understands the balance of discipline and love, exactly what our little girl needs. practicing "pointy toes" stretches
anxiously waiting her turnhandstand balance beam monkey hang getting her stamp for a job well doneMiss Soua was so sweet and gave Madison a stamp after every class too! We sure are going to miss our special Wednesdays!

candy cane lane

We walked Candy Cane Lane again this year with some of our great friends! The little ones were bundled up, we grabbed our hot chocolate, and then we made our way up and down the streets, pushing strollers along the way. The lights were amazing!!
the "big kids"
shakin' their booties
most enjoyed the snow making machine We always have so much fun hanging out with our friends, especially during the Christmas season!

o christmas tree

We took our annual trip out to Hillcrest Farm in Reedley to pick out our Christmas tree! On our way we grabbed a yummy treat for the ride...doughnuts!!

As soon as we arrived, the girls searched around for the perfect tree!waiting for the "choo-choo"
all aboard!through the tunnel
family fun
some playtime on the slide
The next afternoon, when Madison woke up from her nap, we decorated our tree. Audrey did a great job being gentle with each ornament as she hung them. She also preferred placing them all together in one spot on the tree. Madison really had no interest in hanging ornaments, yet she really enjoyed pulling them off of the tree.
very focused
Madison spent most of her time climbing up and down the step ladder.
doing her best to hang an ornamentWith help from Daddy, Audrey put the golden star on the very top and we were done decorating our Christmas tree!
way done for one